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A review of major developments in agriculture from medieval Europe to the new world and industrial agriculture. Particular emphasis on the history of agricultural policy in Canada. The role of indigenous peoples and women in agriculture, world food issues and the environmental consequences of modern agriculture.

Modelling biological, economic, social and ecological components of agricultural systems. The quantitative methods of economic analysis of agricultural systems are introduced. Application of linear algebra and linear programming to farm management problems. Use of computer software.

Prerequisites: Economics 1010 (2001) and third-year standing (a minimum of 60.0 credit hours).

Note: Credit is not allowed for Agricultural Studies 3300 and Agricultural Studies 2000.

Note: No fees are assessed for this registration.

Capstone seminars in agricultural issues. Offerings may include guest lectures from prominent administrators and researchers in agriculture, field trips, readings and papers.

Prerequisites will be specified for individual offerings.

Applied decision analysis with an agricultural focus. Mathematical techniques for solving optimization and constrained optimization problems in agriculture: linear programming, quadratic programming, integer programming, dynamic programming and simulation. Case studies.

Prerequisite: Agricultural Studies 3300.

Note: Credit is not allowed for Agricultural Studies 4300 and Agricultural Studies 3000.

Introduction to modelling, including computer simulation, as a means to understand and manage agroecosystems. Fundamental concepts such as linearity, feedback, mass conservation and validation will be explored. A series of biological case studies will be used to demonstrate the practical application of simulation models to various fields of agroecosystem research and management. The main emphasis will be on modelling dynamic processes and spatial models.

Prerequisites: Agricultural Studies 3300, and Biology 1020 or admission to the Post-Diploma B.Sc. in Agricultural Studies program.

Recommended background: Biology 2200.

Introduction to modelling, including computer simulation, as a means to understand and manage agroecosystems. Fundamental concepts such as linearity, feedback, mass conservation and validation will be explored. A series of geographic case studies will be used to demonstrate the practical application of simulation models to various fields of rural geography, economics and agroecosystem research and management. The main emphasis will be on modelling dynamic processes and spatial models. Also an introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) and their applicability to agricultural management decisions.

Prerequisite: Agricultural Studies 3300.